Top 10 Reasons to have wisdom teeth removed

Wisdom Teeth- Southern Georgia Oral Surgery
Why We Should Remove Wisdom Teeth
Roger Myers DMD

Why do they cause so many issues for us?
The more patient evaluations for wisdom teeth that I perform, the more I ponder on their lack of necessity.  When a wisdom tooth is erupting, I call it the adult teething stage and the symptoms for a tooth erupting for a child appear to the same.  The infection, erythemas, swelling and pain appear and removal of the tooth is warranted.  Called "wisdom teeth" because they emerge later in life, the upper and lower third molars generally cause problems because there is not enough room in the mouth for them to erupt, or break through the gum, into a normal position. As a result, these molars are often left impacted in the gum or jawbone. Impacted teeth can lead to a variety of problems including pain, infection, crowding, or damage to adjacent teeth, and can contribute to more significant inflammation that can spread to other teeth, which can compromise the integrity of adjacent teeth.
2. Oral inflammation associated with wisdom teeth may contribute to preterm or low birth weight infants.  Extremely important to pregnant patients.
3. Fully erupted wisdom teeth rarely provide meaningful use and are difficult to keep clean.  Their incidence of developing caries is very high.
1. Limited space for wisdom teeth to erupt can lead to infection and by, the risk of caries is always present.
4. Impacted wisdom teeth may develop associated cysts and/or tumors that could require extensive procedures to remove & repair jaw function and appearance.
5. Chance of complications related to the removal of wisdom teeth increases with age.  The tooth position and roots may compromise the nerves and blood vessels.
6. Gum disease and inflammation associated with wisdom teeth may lead to receding gum tissues, deterioration of the jawbone and tooth loss.
7. Full eruption of wisdom teeth may lead to crowding of nearby teeth.  Normally the lower anterior mandible is affected with the canine to canine area being most compromised.
8. Even wisdom teeth that seem to be problem-free remain a breeding ground for oral infection & inflammation. This inflammation can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development or progression of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
9. Wisdom teeth removed at an early age allows for easier and faster recovery. TRUE
10.  They serve absolutely no function at all.